Application of the Force-velocity-power Concept to the 3-min all-out Running Test

Force-velocity-power (FVP) profiling offers insights related to key factors that may enhance or hinder sprinting performances. Whether the same FVP principles could be applied to the sprinting portion of the 3-minute all-out test for running (3MT) has not been previously investigated. Twenty moderately trained participants volunteered for the study (age: 24.75 ± 3.58 yrs; height: 1.69±0.11 m; mass: 73.74±12.26 kg). After familiarization of all testing procedures, participants completed: (i) a 40-m all-out sprint test, and (ii) a 3MT. Theoretical maximal force and power, but not velocity, were significantly higher for the 40-m sprint test. Most FVP variables from the two tests were weakly to moderately correlated, with the exception of maximal velocity. Finally, maximal velocity and relative peak power were predictive of D', explaining approximately 51% of the variance in D'. Although similar maximal velocities are attained during both the 40-m sprint and the 3MT, the underlying mechanisms are markedly different. The FVP parameters obtained from either test are likely not interchangeable but do provide valuable insights regarding the potential mechanisms by which D' may be improved.